A Letter From Kauai United Way: Tsunami Relief
Our hearts go out to our brothers and sisters in Japan in the wake of the horrific earthquake / tsunami twin disasters. When faced with such overwhelming devastation, it is instinctual for people of conscience to draw together and want to help. It is an epitome of the goodness of our civilization that humanity has organized itself to create entities such as the International Red Cross specifically to cope with disasters. Donating to the Red Cross is always a good thing to do to help with the needs in the immediate aftermath of such a crisis. You can donate directly by calling the Kauai of the Red Cross branch at 245-4919. You can also donate via Kauai United Way’s payroll deduction at your place of employment.
United Way Worldwide has informed Kauai United Way, as well as all local United Ways around the globe, that they are now collecting donations to be transferred to the local United Way (called a Community Chest in Japan) in the devastated area. The advantage of giving via United Way is that the funds will be allocated by local people within the affected area who will know where it is needed most. Donations to help the local United Way / Community Chest in Japan can be made by sending a check made out to Kauai United Way, with a note indicating what it is for, to P.O. Box 1087 in Lihue or calling in a credit card number to 245-2043.
In the spirit that we must take care of ourselves before we can reach out to others, I respectfully suggest that people consider adding a note that they would like to split their donation in half between the humanitarian needs in Japan and the on-going social service needs right here on Kauai.
–Scott N. Giarman
Executive Director
Kauai United Way
